10 Tips for an Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and great food—but it’s also an opportunity to show love for our planet. With just a few thoughtful choices, you can reduce waste, celebrate sustainably, and inspire others to do the same. Here are 10 simple tips to help you host an eco-friendly Thanksgiving this year:

Preparation: Start Strong with Thoughtful Choices

1️⃣ Cook Just Enough
When planning your menu, remember that guests often bring extra dishes. Keep portions manageable to avoid food waste. Some leftovers are appreciated, but nobody needs to be going home with entire uneaten pies. Thoughtful planning will ensure everyone enjoys the meal without overwhelming your fridge—or your conscience!

2️⃣ Shop Local and Seasonal
Support your local farmers' market, if possible, to source fresh, in-season produce. Not only will your dishes taste better, but you’ll also reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting out-of-season items. If you can’t shop locally, try picking produce that is seasonal in your region—even if that region is just the U.S.

3️⃣ Thrift or Borrow Extra Tableware
If you’re hosting a large group, there’s no need to buy new plates or decor. Borrow from friends or visit thrift stores for unique, affordable finds that add charm to your table. You also get the added benefit of reusing existing goods, keeping perfectly good items in use rather than adding to landfill waste.

Decorating: Set the Scene Sustainably

4️⃣ Use Reusable Tableware and Linens
Avoid disposables by using real plates, cloth napkins, and glassware. Sure, it may take a little more effort to clean up, but it’s worth it to keep waste out of landfills. Plus, reusable tableware adds an elegant, thoughtful touch to your celebration.

5️⃣ DIY Your Decor
Printables are a great way to add a personal touch without the waste. Download banners, place cards, or signs, and print them at home or at a local print shop to create custom decorations that align with your theme. By printing locally, you avoid the environmental cost of long-distance shipping while making your table uniquely yours.

6️⃣ Create Natural Centerpieces
Nature provides everything you need for a beautiful table. Use pumpkins, pinecones, dried flowers, or greenery to craft stunning centerpieces that can be composted or reused after the holiday. It’s simple, affordable, and completely in harmony with the season.

7️⃣ Decorate Sustainably
Choose materials that are biodegradable, reusable, or recyclable. Think beeswax candles, twine, fabric scraps, and glass jars—elegant and eco-friendly! Avoid things with glitter or cheap plastic that will only be used for a few hours but could linger in the ecosystem for decades. Thoughtful, sustainable decor can still be beautiful and festive!

Post-Dinner: Finish with a Flourish

8️⃣ Use Reusable Covers and Containers
Forget cling wrap—use beeswax wraps or silicone lids to store leftovers. When sending guests home with leftovers, pack them in reusable containers. Bonus: save your takeout containers and give them out with no need to return. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to reduce waste while sharing the holiday spirit.

9️⃣ Donate Leftovers
If, despite your planning, there’s unopened food leftover, donate it to local shelters or community fridges. If the food is opened, consider offering it to neighbors or those in your community through platforms like your local Buy Nothing Facebook group. It’s a wonderful way to ensure that nothing goes to waste.

🔟 Save and Repurpose Decor
Don’t toss those decorations! Pack them away for next year or upcycle them into holiday decor. Timeless, high-quality pieces can become part of your family traditions, while keeping waste to a minimum. Sustainability can be a tradition in itself!

Small Changes, Big Impact

Hosting an eco-friendly Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated. By making small changes to how you prepare, decorate, and clean up, you can reduce waste and show gratitude for the Earth.

Which of these tips will you try this year? Do you have your own eco-friendly traditions? Share them in the comments below!